In a statement released by the school, head coach Paul Chryst acknowledged that Rushel Shell has decided to transfer from the Panthers. While the destination was not revealed by Chryst nor anyone connected to the program, it’s believed the soon-to-be true sophomore running back will ultimately land at a Pac-12 school in general and Arizona State specifically.

“Rushel and I met on Tuesday morning and he informed me of his final decision to transfer,” Chryst’s statement began. “I wish him only the best moving forward. Out of respect for Rushel, his family and his privacy, this will be my final comment on the matter.”

Chryst had announced late last week that Shell would be leaving the team in order to work through some things.

Barring the unexpected, Shell will be forced to sit out the 2013 season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules if he moves on to an FBS program. He would then have three seasons of eligibility remaining.

With the departure of leading-rusher Ray Graham (1,042 yards), losing Shell and his 641 yards puts a sizable dent in the Panthers’ returning production in the run game. In fact, the returning running backs totaled just 248 yards combined in 2012, with three rushing touchdowns. Graham (11) and Shell (four) accounted for 15 rushing touchdowns.

This is a terrible decision by a kid who could have really been the star at Pitt. Todd Graham (better known as the lying piece of garbage that has harpooned multiple programs to fill his over-bloated and unjustified ego) will waste this kid at ASU. Too bad kid, you really blew it with this choice!

Hey blastfurnace, clearly you have no idea what you’re talking about. If you watched any ASU games last season you’d have seen how well the running backs performed under coach Graham. This would be a huge get for ASU.

was so happy for Pitt and its fans and Alum we finally got a 5 star recruit and Pennsylvania all time leading rusher in high school. But this young man has to make a decision that he feels is best for himself and his family. he has twin daughters and has to support them i wish him the best of luck and no hard feelings here.